A message has been circulating, stating that the central government has initiated the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Tractor Yojana' to enhance farmer's self-reliance. The message alleges that the Ministry of Agriculture is offering subsidies for tractor purchases under this scheme, leading to discussions among both farmers and experts. Accompanying the message is a website link, encouraging farmers to log in and avail themselves of the supposed benefits.
However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information on government interventions, has now stepped in to verify the authenticity of these claims.
Debunking the Viral Claim
PIB, in an official statement on its X handle, has thoroughly examined the purported scheme. Contrary to the viral message, the central government has not introduced any subsidy program named 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Tractor Scheme.' Consequently, the website offering subsidised tractors is confirmed to be fake, urging citizens to exercise caution.
A #fake website is claiming to provide tractor subsidies to farmers under the Ministry of Agriculture's '𝐏𝐌 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐚'#PIBFactCheck
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 11, 2024
▶️This website is fraudulent and should not be trusted
▶️ @AgriGoI is not running any such scheme pic.twitter.com/CcIlcIVwA5
Rising Threat of Online Frauds
As we witness an upsurge in digitalisation, online fraud cases are on the rise too. Often cybercriminals exploit unsuspecting individuals by promoting fictitious government schemes, engaging in banking fraud, and extracting money under false pretenses. The prevalence of such scams underscores the importance of thorough verification before trusting any government-related claims.
Government Advisory on Scheme Verification
In light of the growing digital threats, authorities advise individuals to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any government scheme claims. The official government website remains the most reliable source for accurate information. This precautionary step aims to protect citizens from falling victim to online fraud and financial scams.
